The Jake Kershaw Band will be making their Field of Flight debuts in 2016 as well. This band has been taking the Michigan Blues community by storm.

Jake Kershaw is a performer with heart. He has the raw talent, the feel, the soul and the drive of some of the most popular blues musicians in history...from Stevie Ray Vaughn to BB King. Jake spent his entire lifetime playing the guitar and fell in love with blues music in 2014 after hearing Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Since then, Jake and his three-piece band have become an unstoppable force that everyone flocks to see! And did we mention that Jake is only FIFTEEN YEARS OLD? That's right, he is a Fresham in high July 4th The Jake Kershaw Bandschool in Marshall, Michigan. He truly "blows the roof off the joint" and many have said he will be a blues monster by the time he is 20.

Terry Oosterhart is the bassist for the band. He is a veteran of the Michigan music scene and is an excellent singer in his own right.

Ryan McFadden is the drummer and he has been playing drums for twelve years. His influence is Rush's Neal Pert and Duncan Phillips of the Newsboys.

Do not miss this rare young powerhouse musician and his talented band at this year's Field of Flight as part of our Field of Rock Concert Series on July 4th. Jake Kershaw Band in Concert on July 4th

Returning to the Field of Flight is one of the most popular bands in the Battle Creek area...THE EDGE!  Festival goers may recognize The Edge, a band that has appeared here numerous times INCLUDING the time they were our "Happy Hour" act opening for the Huge Double Concert in 2004 that featured Eddie Money and The Grand Funk Railroad.

The Edge began in 1980 as a five piece rock band and has evolved into a ten piece rhythm and blues ensemble. This version of the band includes:

• Jackie King lead vocalist
• Kjell Croce rhythm guitarist
• Bob Wentworth lead guitarist
• Andy Merrild bass guitarist
• Bill Wentworth saxophonist
• Jay Wentworth trumpeter
• Brian Borders tombonist
• Jeff Dallavalle keyboardist
• Ron Taylor drummer

The band has performed on and off at the balloon championship for many years as well as the at the Battle Creek World's Largest Breakfast Table, the Albion Festival of the Forks and the Marshall Blues Festival

So make sure you catch THE EDGE as part of our Field of Rock Concert

Series on July 4th.

Get ready to experience the ULTIMATE CLASSIC ROCK EXPERIENCE with the famous Midnight Special band. If you like songs from the 70s & 80s, then make sure that July 3rd is marked down on your calendars.

This experience will be one of the most unique concert experiences we've ever had at the Field of Flight. This completely immersive concert experience will delight all in attendance. If you were alive in the 70s & 80s, you will relive those days with this authentic concert re-enactment. If you were born after those decades, then you will get to experience those decades through North America's Most Electrifying Classic Rock 'n' Roll Concert!

Complete with special effect lighting, smoke, fog, a staged setting and amazing rock clothing of the era, the band will perform a selection of legendary rock anthems by Queen, Styx, Boston, Journey, Elton John, Deep Purple, Grand Funk Railroad, Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Pink Floyd and many more.

What is even more amazing? Kids, be ready. If you ever dreamed of being a rock star of the 70s & 80s then you may get your chance to experience that dream. During the show, the band will perform a "Guitar Hero" segment where kids are invited up to the stage to jam with the band.

Midnight Special is an amazing band that has performed thousands of show for 36 years (that's right, they're from the 70s themselves) and they are an actual, very popular, band themselves. Their Classic Rock experience is just one of the many concert types they offer. All of their music is performed LIVE with no tracks or artificial intelligence...in other words...No Cheating! You won't want to miss this Amazing Rock Experience and High Energy Show of Non-Stop Epic Classic Cuts!

Band Members
-Kurt Dobkins ("KD")
-Gregg St. Charles
-Joey Von Richter
-Jeff "Jeffro" Koehnke
-David K. Geoffries

Midnight Special Audio Sample

Website: http://www.midnightspeciallive.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MidnightSpecialLive
Reverbnation: www.reverbnation.com/midnightspeciallive
YouTube Videos:
Long Time by Boston
Lady by Styx
Fortunate Son by CCR
More Than a Feeling by Boston
Booking Contact: ArmEntertainment.com

The New Rule will be making their Battle Creek Field of Flight debuts in 2016.

Tim Ellsworth, Chris Wood, Peter Myers & Scott Ellsworth comprise this Lansing based variety band playing classic rock and popular dance music.

This talented band loves music and is able to salute many decades of hits. From present hits to 70s rock, this band can perform it all. So get your front  row seats for a trip down memory lane from a band that truly rules!

 Don't miss The New Rule as part of our Field of Rock Concert Series on July 2nd.  New Rule Band in Concert on July 2

Tony Fields, Doug Decker & Jeff Starr will be returning to the Field of Flight this summer and will bringing their amazing talent and showmanship!

This trio are among the most versatile entertainers around. Complete with guitar, keyboards and vocals, they cover such a broad range of music...from motown, soul, jazz, blues, R&B to much more! Be prepared to sing along with some wonderful songs and even get on your feet and dance the evening away with some of the most entertaining musicians in the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek area.

 The three performers are masters in their respective skill set. Tony Fields, a Battle Creek Native, is well-known for his smooth, souful vocals. Doug Decker is an audience favorite that is simply phenomenal on the keyboards and piano. Jeff Starr is known as one of the best guitarists in Michigan. When you put the three together, you know you are in for a treat!!

 So make sure you don't miss Tony Fields, Doug Decker & Jeff Star in concert as part of our Field of Rock Concert series on July 1st.Tony Fields, Doug Decker and Jeff Starr in Concert on July 1

Don Middlebrook (Trop Rock Music Association "Songwriter of the Year" and his experienced band, the Pearl Divers are presently on their "Songs from Talespin Bay" tour that is kicking off in Florida. Their tour will bring them to perform at the Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival this summer.

 "Songs from Talespin Bay" is the bands latest album was nominated by the TRSA for Album of the Year and their song "The Legend of Sunny Jim" was nominated for Song of the Year. This band of great, award-winning musicians will give you their tropical feeling, Florida Keys type concert in Battle Creek this summer. Inspired by Jimmy Buffet, this band will give you a unique style of music that you won't find anyone else performing in Michigan. Seriously, this is the real deal! If you like Jimmy Buffet, then you will enjoy this concert.

 So make sure you check out Don Middlebrook and the Pearl Divers as part of this year's Field of Rock concert series on June 30th. Don Middlebrook and the Pearl Divers in Concert on June 30

Life Support is a High Energy Variety band from DeWitt, Michigan and they will be making their Field of Flight debuts on June 29th, 2016 during our "Community Kick-Off Day" & "Wacky Wednesday" activities. 

The band features Nikki Fowler on lead vocals, Ricky Nalett on keyboards and vocals, Bob Giunta on guitar and vocals, and Donny Brown on drums and vocals. Combined, they have over 140 years of combined performing experience. The band has performed numerous times on Mackinac Island and was one of the premiere bands at "The Beer Barrel" in Put-In-Bay for several years. Their song list is full of variety and is complete with songs that are jazz standards to classic rock, country to present artists...this band covers so many genres that everyone will be pleased with the music they are performing.

 So make sure you check out LIFE SUPPORT, in concert, as part of our Field of Rock on June 29th.Life Support in Concert on June 29

Racing fans, get ready for intense competitive action as the BATTLE CREEK SPEED FEST takes to our taxiways.

Competitors from all over the country will compete in the largest event of its kind in the State of Michigan. With over a half dozen racing sessions, you'll see all types of vehicles from exotics, to classics, to souped up bad boys putting the pedal to the metal to try to achieve the fastest speed and time, in just a 1/2 mile. These drivers will compete head to head to become the SPEEDFEST Champion, and maybe even go for a world record.

It's not just full throttle racing, but also a car show. Don't miss your chance to check out some amazing vehicles up close while they are on display. We truly have it all, entertainment in the air and on the ground!

If you love cars, then you will not want to miss this race. If you love being thrilled, then this is all for you. Don't miss this amazing, first ever event, taking place during the Battle Creek Field of Flight on July 1 - 4!

Website: BCSpeedFest.com

The Great State of Michigan is very proud of its' lumbering past. So what better way to celebrate it than with the Great Lakes Timber Show?

On June 29th, 30th & July 1st, America's Most Entertaining Lumberjack Show will be showcased at the Field of Flight. Be amazed as you see what the best lumberjacks in the nation have to offer. We guarantee a good time and good, clean family fun.

The Great Lakes Timber Show includes:

• Chainsaw Carving (Watch them carve a chair out of a log)
• Axe Throwing (Who doesn't find axes flying through the air at a target interesting?)
• Two-Man Crosscut Sawing (Teamwork at its finest)
• Modified Chainsawing (Makes things a bit more difficult)
• Log Rolling (One of the most fun aspects of the event. Two people, one log, who will last the longest? You may even have a chance to challenge the log)

Just ask our fans who have attended this show in the past. Rave reviews, fun and absolutely hilarious. They are loved at the Field of Flight. Just how professional and talented are the performers? Each one of them are World Champion Loggers and Lumberjacks. They are simply the best in their respective fields.

Make sure you don't miss this AMAZING Lumberjack Show as it is featured at this years Field of Flight. Once again, they will be performing their FULL Timber Shows June 29th through July 1st!

But HOLD IT! That's not all! They'll also stick around and do carvings July 2nd & 3rd. So we'll have tons of timber fun for all!

Website: http://www.laughsandlures.com/TimberShow.html

Get ready to get on your feet and hold on to your hats, Tim Dyson and friends will be riding into town this summer and performing one of the most amazing FMX Motorcycle Stunt shows that you have ever seen!

From X-Games athletes to upcoming talent, this FMX team will take to the airports taxiways as well as ramps setup to provide the ultimate experience in FMX motorcycle stunt shows! You will remain in awe as these bikes go soaring sky high and their riders pull off impressive feats both in the air and on the ground!

If you are looking for amazing thrills while you are at the Field of Flight, then look no further than Tim Dyson's FMX Stunt Show...performing June 29th, June 30th & July 1st!

A day just for Kids? Well, yeah. But it's a day for families too!

For just $5 per car load for parking and FREE gate admission, you can enjoy a night of family fun. This is a special day you certainly won't want to miss 

All Vendors, Event Grounds & Parking will be open at 5 PM on June 30th. In addition, Skerbeck Carnival will also open at 5 PM. Ride tickets must be purchased separately. Advanced discount wrist bands can be purchased online before June 29th. 

 We'll have our first evening Balloon Flight on the evening of Thursday, June 30th and we'll have performances by both the Great Lakes Timber Show as well as the Tim Dyson FMX Motorcycle Stunt Team. Award Winning Don Middlebrook will also be taking to the stage with his band The Pearl Divers.

KID'S DAY!

But, the main highlight of the evening will be the fact that it is Kid's Day! From 5 PM to 7 PM, we will have tons of activities for Kids. From games, to special kids activities, to prizes, this will be a time that will absolutely put a smile on the faces of your children. Make sure that you register for the chance to WIN A NEW BIKE!

Come on out for Community Kick-Off Day/Wacky Wednesday on June 29th this year. We're going to kick-off the event with amazing style and in great value with a family fun night out! Admission will be FREE for everyone and parking will be FREE as well.

Wacky Wednesday

The highlight of the day will be "Wacky Wednesday". This will be the ONLY time during the entire event that you will be able to taste some of the terrific food offered at a discounted price! So make sure you come hungry so you can experience what many air show fans have dubbed the "Best Air Show Food". Although all of our food vendors will be participating in this great promotion, this is what the Best Around Food Booths will be offering:

• $2 Corn Dogs
• $3 Sausage Dogs
• $3 Funnel Cakes
• $3 Elephant Ears
• $3 Fried Cheese
• $3 Saratoga Chips

YUM! So grab some discounted food (available at ALL of our booths) as part of Wacky Wednesday and then sit back, relax and enjoy our Community Kick-Off Day activities.

Community Kick-Off Day

We'll have tons of activities going on as part of our FREE Community Kick-Off Day. First and foremost, make sure you take advantage of the great deals that Skerbeck Carnival has and purchase your wristbands in advance and enjoy riding rides amongst the other activities we have on the schedule. Make sure you catch the FMX Motorcycle Stunt Show and Great Lakes Timber Show! Enjoy terrific food, check out all the displays and crafts and then rock the night away with LIFE SUPPORT in concert. It's a terrific evening of entertainment that is perfect for the entire family! 

Bob Seger said it best in his song "Night Moves", and the fun doesn't end when the sun begins to set...instead, it HEATS UP!

This year's event will take place on SATURDAY, JULY 2ND and feature some of the Best & Most unique twilight acts in the world today. Whether the sky is illuminated with fireworks, sparks & pyro, or lights, this year's Twilight Show will be one you won't forget. Let's not forget about the ground either as you will surely feel the heat from flames being shot out of a jet engine. You won't want to miss this year's Twilight Spectacular. 

TWILIGHT AIR SHOW 

While our Twilight Lineup is still being determined, it will feature teaser acts and performances by some of our AMAZING civilian air show performers. Stay tuned here for more information when it becomes available. The fun doesn't end with the Twilight Air Show. Make sure you stick around for our FIREWORKS DISPLAY that will also take place on July 2nd at 10:30 PM

Back by popular demand will be Mr. Phil Dacy, "The Voice of the Field of Flight". This is the TENTH Field of Flight that this award winning announcer will be announcing. Phil will set the pace for the air show and provide announcing that is 'second to none'. Phil not only provides some of the highest energy announcing on the air show circuit, but he backs up that energy with incredible knowledge. After being on the air show circuit for so long, Phil definitely knows the performers, knows the performances and knows his stuff. Phil is a very experienced pilot in his own right with over 8000 hours of flight time in all different types of aircraft. Even today, when not announcing, he is the Chief Pilot for Priester Aviation out of Chicago, Illinois. Phil will help bring you the ULTIMATE Air Show Experience on July 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th. He'll even announce our Spectacular Twilight Air Show on July 2nd.

Website: https://dacyairshows.com/Phil_Dacy_Announcing.html

Since the dawning of Jet Vehicles, everyone has been searching for "MORE POWER!". Paul Stender has built the answer. The ALL-NEW "TOP GUN" JET TRUCK is a jet truck that has the most powerful, single engine in the jet truck field today. This jet truck will make its air show debut in 2016 and may thrust itself right into the record books with speeds that may approach 400 miles per hour with its light aerodynamic design and its powerful, afterburning engine. It is also the BIGGEST jet truck ever built!

The "Top Gun" is based on a 2016 International Lonestar Semi, which builder and driver Paul Stender picked for its sleek, updated vintage design. The engine is a Pratt and Whitney F-100, directly out of a F-16 fighter jet, producing 29,000 pounds of thrust and 58,000 horsepower. This engine will be the most powerful ever incorporated into a jet truck for the airshow industry, Stender said.

Do not miss this AMAZING, loud and fast jet truck at this year's air show July 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th!

We welcome Susan Dacy to the Field of Flight for the first time. She'll be roaring into our skies with a Golden Age Salute to Barnstorming performance in her Super Stearman known as "Big Red"
Susan Dacy is one of only a few females performing airshows in a biplane, and is the only woman flying exhibition in the Super Stearman. Wanting to fly all of her life, and working at her family's airport in Harvard, Illinois, Susan began working on her Stearman project. At the age of 16, she learned to fly in a Piper Cub. After graduating from Southern Illinois University, she pursued flying jobs throughout the country. She has amassed more than 28,000 hours of flight time in more than 60 different types of aircraft.

Finally, her Stearman was ready. "Big Red" started life as a World War II trainer for young naval aviatiors. Originally powered by a 220 horsepower engine, Big Red is now outfitted with a powerful Pratt & Whitney 450 horsepower, supercharged engine. This plane is designed for barnstormin', classic style aerobatics and is "at home" both right side up and upside down.
So don't miss your chance to step back in time as Susan Dacy puts her 450 horsepower, Super Stearman, 'Big Red', through its paces with a dazzling display of barrel rolls, slow rolls, Cuban eights, hammerhead turns, loops and much more, in a style reminiscent of the barnstorming era of flying.

Barnstorming will be recreated right here in Battle Creek: July 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th

Matt Younkin will be returning to Battle Creek this year in the beautiful Beechraft 18 warbird. You will not want to miss this act as it is a performance that will shock everyone in attendance, even those aviation buffs. If you think a World War II transport plane can't perform aerobatics...then think again!

About the Pilot: Matt Younkin
Matt Younkin is the son of airshow legend Bobby Younkin and grandson of Jim Younkin (a well-known plane designer and airplane replicator). Bobby had performed numerous times in Battle Creek. His last time was in 2003, when he performed in his Learjet 23 and Samson biplane. Bobby Younkin was known for creating innovative airshow acts, from aerobatics in the amazing and powerful Samson Biplane, to aerobatics in aircraft that weren't designed for them, like the Beech 18 and Learjet. Today, Matt Younkin keeps his father's legacy alive by continuing to fly his father's aerobatic performance in the Twin Beech 18.

Matt learned to fly at the Age of 14 and was taught by the same instructor that taught his father how to fly. Matt soloed on his 16th birthday in his grandfathers 1928 Travel Air 4000 biplane. Matt has accumulated over 3000 hours of total flying time in his career and has flown over 75 types of aircraft, from the Piper Cub all the way to World War II bombers. Matt loves flying radio-controlled model planes and actually learned most of his aerobatic skills while flying them. He later went on to perfect these maneuvers in the Decathlon with the help of his father. Matt currently resides in Siloam Springs, Arkansas with his wife Michelle and daughter Kimmy.

In 2012, Matt Younkin was awarded the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. He is the first second-generation recipient of the award (his dad previously won the award in 2004). "Considered young in the airshow industry by some and a veteran by others, Matt continues to amaze airshow goers with his unique ability to capture the crowd in the moment, much the same way his father Bobby and sister Amanda did for so many years".

About the Plane: 1943 Beechcraft C-18S (Twin Beech 18) "Miss Ellie":
The Younkin Family Beech 18 was built in 1943 by the Beechcraft Corporation in Wichita, Kansas (built as an AT-7C for military service). The airplane went into service with the Army Air Corps, being based at Houston's Ellington Army Air Field. The aircraft was re-designated as the C-18S when the Army transferred ownership of the plane to the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA). The plane served with the CAA until 1949 and then went through several owners (from serving as a VIP transport for the Department of Commerce, to being flown by a University). The aircraft was finally purchased by Younkin Airshows, Inc. in 2000. After a complete restoration, it came into service as a replacement for Bobby's original aerobatic Beech 18. After Bobby's untimely death in July of 2005, the Beech 18 spent two years in retirement as a static display in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Matt then debuted his version of his late father's airshow routine in the Beech 18 in Lakeland, Florida at Sun-N-Fun 2007. The Beech 18 is the flagship of Matt's Airshow Fleet. He feels it is the most special of his aircraft because his father first gained national notoriety by performing in the Beech in 1990 and continued to perform aerobatics in Beech 18s for 15 years.

"Miss Ellie" is the mascot for Younkin Airshows and is the nose art/name of the Beech 18. The aircraft, with the exception of the paint scheme, is essentially the same as when it was sold from military surplus in 1945. This classifies the aircraft as a true warbird, hence the reason it features nose art. How did the name come about? Check out more information about the act to learn. Let's just say, the Beech 18 has been referred to as the "White Elephant" of the airshow industry. Jeff Gibbs is the crew chief for the Beech 18 and one of Matt's good friends.

About the Act:
Matt Younkin flies one of the airshow industries loudest and smokiest acts. Not only that, but he performs it in the Beech 18, the largest civilian aerobatic plane on the circuit. The act is considered to be the most unusual act on the airshow circuit today. The performance is almost a mirror image of the one his father flew for many years. The performance begins and ends to light-hearted music ("Pink Elephants" from Disney's Dumbo). Why? Well, it's an overly obese plane executing maneuvers that its designers and airshow patrons never thought it could. The show ends with the "Elephant Waltz" dirty pass, which is a spectacle to believe. "The majority of the performance flows with beauty and grace to equally beautiful music and a tribute to Bobby Younkin". This is a powerful plane doing something it wasn't designed to do, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. 

Don't miss this SHOW-STOPPING performance at this year's Field of Flight Air Show.

Website: http://younkinair.com/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YounkinAir

Famed air show stunt pilot Kyle Franklin returns to Battle Creek in 2016. You're used to seeing him in his WACO known as "Dracula" as he has performed in this aircraft for the past two Field of Flights. However, this year, he is bringing an entirely new and different beast to the event in an act that you will certainly enjoy.

The Super Cub known as "Franklinstein" will make its Battle Creek debut in 2016. For the most part, this is a stock PA-18A Super Cub (with an awesome Franklin-style paint scheme), but it has faced some minor modifications. The plane has served as an integral part of Franklin's Flying Circus over the years for not only training, but numerous acts and stunts. This also happens to be the first plane that Kyle Franklin ever soloed in.

Back to the act, with a talented and well-known pilot such as Kyle gets behind the controls, you know you are in for a treat. Kyle Franklin will portray Ben Whabnoski, an annoying drunk who wants his airplane ride that is promised to him! Much different from your typical flying farmer routine, this routine will get everyone on their feet and roaring with laughter. The effort and skill Kyle displays is amazing to say the least. Most pilots only put a wingtip on the ground during ground loops. Kyle Franklin does it for fun so often, that his Cub needs skid plates taped on the wingtips! This is truly a show "stealing" act! It takes impressive skill to fly a plain this badly!

Don't miss this one-of-a-kind, wild and crazy, wing-tip draggin' comedy act on July 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th